Traditional Irish Soda Bread

It’s nearly Saint Patrick’s Day which means that the Irish around the world are getting ready to celebrate the feast of Ireland’s Patron Saint. While there are some very recognizable traditions associated with the holiday, such as parades and -- for some but not nearly all -- pints of “the Black Stuff”, or firing up the oven for a big batch of Irish Soda Bread. Do you have a favourite recipe for Irish Soda Bread? Read below for a brief history of where this holiday treat got its name and a recommended recipe to try this March.

Is it American Soda Bread or Irish Soda Bread?

Actually, soda bread was not originally an Irish invention. It became popular in Ireland during the Famine years, because it took few ingredients and was affordable to make. Made with flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk traditional Irish soda bread is not sweet. However, historians believe that the first instance of the bread was actually made by early Native Americans in North America. The recipe and method for the perfect loaf are very well travelled, with the Scottish, Polish, Serbians and Australians and others claiming it!

Because Bicarbonate Soda is nonperishable, it was a particularly good ingredient for the families struggling during the Great Hunger. They also did not need an oven, which many cottages would not have had. Instead, the bread could be prepared in a “bastible” which is a cast-iron pot with a lit which can be put directly into the fire. They cooked the bread in what's called a bastible — a big cast-iron pot with a lid on it that would have been put right onto the coals or onto the turf fire.

Historically, soda bread would have been a main staple of diets in 19th century Irish homes. In this record from the early 20th century, it is recorded that: "Bread is baked with flour, buttermilk, a small quantities of soda and salt. We mixed soda and salt through it. Seldom we buy bread from the Bakers. The commonest bread is soda bread, oat bread, currant bread and Indian bread. Soda bread is baked with flour and soda and salt is mixed throught it." This record comes from County Donegal.

Try It at Home: An Irish Soda Bread Recipe

The baking soda in an Irish bread recipe is what helps the bread to rise. During the baking process, a chemical reaction occurs where the release of carbon dioxide from the baking powder is what lifts the bread. This recipe comes from our friend, Irish American Mom. Check out her blog for the full recipe and the story of her grandmother's traditions surrounding soda bread.

Ingredients Needed:

5 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting kneading surface)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

4 oz butter (1 stick)

3 tablespoons white sugar

1 cup raisins

1 egg

1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk

1/2 cup plain yogurt

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda in large mixing bowl.

2. Rub soft butter into dry mixture. Cut butter into 1/4 inch slices.

3. Add sugar and raisins to dry mix. In separate bowl, combine egg, buttermilk and yogurt.

4. Create a "well" in dry mix and introduce wet ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.

5. Flour a clean surface and knead dough into a round shape.

6. Use 9 inch pan and bake at 400F for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 for next 30 - 45 minutes.

7. Cool and enjoy!

Ciaran's Memories of 'Granda Bread'

Our own Ciaran took a moment to remember his beloved Grandfather on a rainy day with a slice of warm Irish Soda Bread, or 'Granda Bread' as he calls it! Watch below to find out why.